Madagascar Community Service

Trip Highlights

Trek or kayak through the rain forest with scientists, monitoring lemurs and other species.

Plant trees and teach environmental education to local students.

Swim in turquoise natural pools in the sandstone canyons of Isalo National Park.

Community Service Projects

On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.

Itinerary

18 Days

Home to leaping lemurs and pinkie- sized chameleons, this island nation situated on Africa’s southeast coast is recognized by scientists as one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Settle into a research center near Ranomafana founded by a National Geographic grantee, and work to preserve the unique surrounding ecosystems through a variety of conservation service projects, capturing your experience through photography, film, and writing. Then cross the island to the dramatic landscapes of Isalo National Park, and cap on the trip swimming in its sparkling natural pools.

Antananarivo

Days 1-2

Begin in the capital city of Antananarivo, or “Tana” as the locals call it, with an afternoon of orientation and exploration. Learn about the rich cultural and ecological history of the island as we start to prepare for our community service projects.

Community Service Site

Days 3-12

Head southeast towards Ranomafana National Park, home to at least a dozen lemur species and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that covers six rain forest areas across eastern Madagascar. Settle into our home in the jungle, the Centre ValBio, a world- renowned research center founded by National Geographic grantee Patricia Wright, one of the world’s leading experts on lemurs. Here, we’ll work alongside local conservation clubs and schools on a variety of eco-service projects. Get your hands dirty planting trees for a reforestation project, and learn about the uses of medicinal plants. Spend time with community members working on local solutions to promote wildlife conservation. Paddle in a kayak looking for rare bird species, or trek through the rain forest with scientists from the Centre ValBio, learning to assess habitat conditions and analyze primate behavior. Work with your peers to document your service work through photos, writing or video. Craft a story about conservation challenges facing Madagascar’s rain forest, or profile one of the island’s unique species. In the afternoon, take a break from your services projects and hike to a waterfall within Ranomafana National Park, or interview artisans about Malagasy culture at a market in Ranomafana village.

Isalo National Park

Days 13-18

Travel to Anja Community Reserve in search of ring-tailed lemurs, and then continue to Isalo National Park, known for its wild sandstone formations and dramatic canyons. In the company of a knowledgeable guide, hike through Isalo’s incredible landscapes and find out why parts of the park are sacred to the local Bara people. Cool off in its turquoise natural swimming pools and watch the sunset light up the striking desert landscape. As our expedition winds down, we’ll share our photos and stories and reflect on Madagascar’s incredible natural diversity— and the efforts we’ve contributed to that are helping preserve this unique and fragile island. Travel back to Ranomafana for a final night before continuing to Tana to catch our flight home.

Accommodations

While working at our community service site, the group sleeps in dormitory-style accommodations. We stay in a comfortable lodge while visiting Isalo National Park.

Dates & Tuition

June 29 – July 16, 2017July 17 – August 3, 2017

$6,790

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Antananarivo. Click here for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

Apply now for this program or call us for more information at 877-877-8759.

When you travel with us, you make a difference.

Your support is vital to National Geographic's nonprofit mission to explore and protect the planet. Every year, the Society funds researchers and explorers around the globe who are working to preserve species and ecosystems, protect cultures, and advance understanding of our planet and its inhabitants.

National Geographic Society receives funds from National Geographic Partners LLC (d/b/a National Geographic Expeditions), funded in part by your tuition.